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Paraoptometric vs ophthalmic medical technician

The differences between paraoptometrics and ophthalmic medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a paraoptometric and an ophthalmic medical technician. Additionally, an ophthalmic medical technician has an average salary of $44,422, which is higher than the $34,505 average annual salary of a paraoptometric.

The top three skills for a paraoptometric include patients, scheduling appointments and patient history. The most important skills for an ophthalmic medical technician are patients, patient care, and field testing.

Paraoptometric vs ophthalmic medical technician overview

ParaoptometricOphthalmic Medical Technician
Yearly salary$34,505$44,422
Hourly rate$16.59$21.36
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs82859,876
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

Paraoptometric vs ophthalmic medical technician salary

Paraoptometrics and ophthalmic medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

ParaoptometricOphthalmic Medical Technician
Average salary$34,505$44,422
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $44,000Between $30,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City-Andover, MN
Highest paying state-Oregon
Best paying company-Omni Eye Specialists
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between paraoptometric and ophthalmic medical technician education

There are a few differences between a paraoptometric and an ophthalmic medical technician in terms of educational background:

ParaoptometricOphthalmic Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorHealth Care AdministrationMedical Technician
Most common college--

Paraoptometric vs ophthalmic medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between paraoptometrics' and ophthalmic medical technicians' demographics:

ParaoptometricOphthalmic Medical Technician
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 8.8% Female, 91.2%Male, 21.6% Female, 78.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 14.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between paraoptometric and ophthalmic medical technician duties and responsibilities

Paraoptometric example responsibilities.

  • Utilize organization skills in managing business operation keeping Dr. Rivera on schedule.
  • Follow strict HIPAA privacy protocols inpatient record management and use.
  • Aid the doctor during the exam and document the findings in the EHR.
  • Communicate relevant information on care and handling of contact lenses and educate patients on proper insertion and removal of contact lenses.
  • Preform detailed pretesting of all incoming patients.
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
  • Show more

Ophthalmic medical technician example responsibilities.

  • Provide outstanding service to patients in a fast-pace environment.
  • Provide instructions to patients and family members regarding medications and treatments.
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
  • Compile surgery charts verifying that consents, sign HIPAA forms, and all other necessary paperwork are include prior to procedure.
  • Greet patients and ensure accurate demographic and insurance information into their electronic chart following HiPPA compliance in a paperless practice.

Paraoptometric vs ophthalmic medical technician skills

Common paraoptometric skills
  • Patients, 38%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 6%
  • Patient History, 5%
  • Visual Acuity, 4%
  • Blood Pressure, 4%
  • Medical History, 4%
Common ophthalmic medical technician skills
  • Patients, 28%
  • Patient Care, 15%
  • Field Testing, 10%
  • Laser, 9%
  • Diagnostic Tests, 4%
  • Visual Fields, 3%

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